Inaugural ‘Nitro Kart Klash’ set for March 29 in Georgetown

The 555 Speedway go-kart track at Albert Street and Thomas Lands will be transformed into a battleground on March 29 when Jumbo Jet Events and the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) collaborate to stage the first-ever Nitro Kart Klash.

Dubbed ‘War on Wheels’, this event, set to start at 14:00h, is set to re-ignite the development of go-kart racing in Guyana, creating an avenue for rookies as well as professional drivers to showcase and develop their skills.

On Monday, newly-elected president of the GMR&&SC Mohamad Shairaz Roshandin, Technical Advisor Stefan Jeffrey, Jumbo Jet Events representative Andre Rochford and Chief Steward Phillip Paruag shared with the media details of the event.

One of the highlights is the introduction of the budget-friendly Briggs and Stratton Series to Guyana through a partnership between Jeffrey and his cousin Kristian Jeffrey as a means of paying it forward.

The racing classes on the day are:

• Briggs and Stratton (sealed engine) for both Heavy and Light weight classes for Seniors, as well as the Juniors (13-15 years) and Cadet (6-12)
• 200c Honda Four-Stroke Promotors class as well as a light class
• 125cc IAME Two-Stroke Heavy and Light Two-stroke
• Under-12 60cc IAME
• Time attack Open (Five Laps)
• 555 Speedway Rental Karts race
• Super-Moto 250cc bikes

Stefan Jeffrey said: “We’re pretty excited to bring this class (Briggs and Stratton) to Guyana. It is one that has been very successful in North America, being one of the biggest kart classes that is currently competing. Some events see in upwards of 600 competitors in this particular class in the different age groups.”

In 2009, Briggs and Stratton introduced the LO206 engine package with the aim of revitalising grassroots motorsport by offering a low-cost option for persons looking to enter the sport at a competitive level.

“It was about bringing the barrier to entry a little bit lower into the sport. At the end of the day, it’s still motor-racing, it still involves money, but with this class it is designed to get a lot more people in the sport by being budget-friendly,” S. Jeffrey explained.

Roshandin was elated to welcome the Nitro Kart Klash event, adding further diversity to the existing GMR&SC calendar of events for 2026.

“I’m very excited to see what this karting event will bring to the motor-racing,” Roshandin said.

The GMR&SC head related that karting has been the foundation for most of the international racers, and this is a step in the right direction for Guyana in its quest to develop professional competitors.

Rochford announced that Jumbo Jet Events will transform the venue by adding amenities, including covered elevated bleachers, elevated VVIP deck and designated access for karts and pit crews.

Works will also be done on the track itself to enhance competitiveness, Rochford added.

Rochford further pointed out that Nitro Kart Klash is not a one-off endeavour- there will be four such events in 2026 with the final one open to foreign competitors.

Chief Steward Paruag said safety, fairness and strict adherence to the rules will be among his key focus on race day. He said officials will be tasked with ensuring competitors are in compliance with rules that govern their respective class.